EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Wednesday announced tight end Nick Muse has returned to practice.

The move opens a 21-day evaluation window for Muse, who was placed on short-term Injured Reserve on Sept. 18 after sustaining what Head Coach Kevin O'Connell described as a "small fracture" in his hand.

The injury occurred in Minnesota's Week 2 win over San Francisco. Muse stayed in the game and successfully fielded an onside kick by the 49ers to send the Vikings into victory formation.

The 2022 seventh-round pick has appeared in 14 games, playing 156 snaps on special teams and five on offense. His lone career target so far resulted in a 22-yard reception at Detroit in the 2023 regular-season finale.

Minnesota (8-2) held a walk-through Wednesday as it prepared for visiting Chicago (4-6) Sunday in Week 12.